Alpine House: Expansive Urban Redevelopment in London Set to Attain BREEAM Excellent Rating

The rejuvenation of a former light industrial site in North London by Jaysam Developments and Design ACB has been green-lit, with construction set to commence in spring 2013. The mixed-use office, residential and live/work development has received substantial attention for both its scale and sustainable credentials—the housing is designed to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4, and the commercial spaces will achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

Alpine House, the name given to this redevelopment, is a four block site consisting of about 140 residential units, 1,800 square-meters of office space, live/work units and an underground parking garage. The current commercial units on the North London site will be demolished to make way for the four mixed-use four and five-story buildings. The planning of the site has been developed in such a way as the commercial and live/work units will serve as a buffer between the development and a nearby busy road.

The buildings’ facades are designed primarily to be constructed from brick and bronze cladding. Light and ventilation will be provided by perforated patterns in the brick façade. This materiality helps to respect and preserve the contextual industrial nature of the site, while creating modern residences. The site will also be revitalized and courtyard spaces will invite public participation in community and social interaction.

Alpine House is poised to become an example for London’s future urban rejuvenation projects and has seen increased support by the Greater London Authority. The apartments exceed the requirements of the London Housing Design Guide, and the designs of the residences are enjoyable and functional. The live/work units are even being designed in collaboration with the charity ACAVA (the Association for Cultural Advancement through Visual Arts), and this collaboration can be seen as contemporary option for housing design through public interest and support.

The Alpine House development will exceed sustainable codes and break down development barriers in what is thought to be the norm in London. There will be 80% carbon dioxide reduction in Dwelling Emission Rate over 2010 building regulations, and half of the carbon emissions will be offset by onsite renewable energy resources.